asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to secure, in the interests of hygiene, that free washing facilities should be provided by local authorities in all public lavatories under their control.

While sympathising with the object which my hon. Friend has in mind, I regret that the present time is not opportune for taking such steps.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that it is bad economy to have circumstances in which uncleanliness can prevail, and will he see that the local authorities at least will examine this question and provide, if they possibly can, the facilities referred to?

We must have regard to a sensible apportionment of the resources at our disposal, and what the hon. Member has suggested is sheer perfectionism.